Instagram steals more Snapchat ideas, this time face filters

Published on 17 May 2017

It’s no surprise that Instagram have now stolen Snapchat’s iconic selfie filters after copying the story feature earlier this year. The new Instagram filters work in exactly the same way as Snapchat’s filters, using augmented reality technology to allow users to dress themselves with on-screen objects and characters. In the first wave of filters released by Facebook for Instagram, is a bunny rabbit, a koala, an ice queen and a geek.

The Instagram filters even work with Boomerang, and with both the front and back cameras, a feature which Snapchat is undoubtedly missing. Instagram have raised the game and placed themselves one step ahead by making it possible to superimpose hashtags on posts and stories, allowing users to look at related posts. And Instagram isn’t finished there, having also added the ability for users to make videos and play them in reverse with the new ‘Rewind’ feature, putting Snapchat way behind in the ranks of social media platforms.

After it was announced earlier this year that Snapchat’s growth has slowed by 82%… it’ll be interesting to see what Snapchat’s next step to compete with Instagram will be.